Six-Year-Old Boy in Ashdod Survives After Accidentally Drinking Paint Thinner

A six-and-a-half-year-old boy from Ashdod was saved after accidentally drinking paint thinner that workers renovating his home had transferred into a water bottle. The boy mistook the substance for water, as the bottle had a pop-top cap that masked the chemical’s strong odor. Shortly after ingestion, he experienced severe throat burning, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

He was rushed to the pediatric emergency department at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, where rapid diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment were initiated. Pediatric gastroenterology and ENT specialists quickly assessed the boy and developed an immediate treatment plan. After stabilizing, he was moved to the pediatric intensive care unit under the supervision of Dr. Noa Rosenfeld Yehoshua. His condition improved significantly, and he is expected to be discharged home soon.

The boy’s mother recounted the terrifying experience, emphasizing the danger of storing hazardous materials in drink containers. She urged parents to always keep dangerous substances in their original packaging and out of children's reach. Dr. Rosenfeld Yehoshua highlighted the rarity of such cases, noting that the unusual packaging prevented the typical warning smell from deterring ingestion. She warned that such poisonings can severely damage vital systems including respiratory, cardiac, and neurological functions.

Dr. Hagar Gur Superman, head of the pediatric emergency department at Assuta Ashdod, stressed that many child poisonings are preventable. She cautioned against transferring toxic substances like paint thinner, bleach, antifreeze, or cleaning agents into food or drink containers, as this creates a dangerous trap for children. Proper storage in locked, original containers is essential to prevent such incidents.